Culture Minister has her fingers crossed for a Scottish winner in Restoration Village

14 September 2006

Culture Minister, Patricia Ferguson today wished the two Scottish finalist in BBC’s Restoration Village every success.

“I believe that our historic buildings play a key role in creating local distinctiveness and local identity and this is demonstrated by both the finalists from Scotland; Dennis Head Lighthouse on North Ronaldsay and Cromarty East Church.

“I hope that viewers from across the country will show their support for both these community projects. I’ve got my fingers crossed that this year we’ll have a Scottish winner.”

The Minister went on to say:

“Both buildings have a good chance of winning and the prize fund would make a very big difference to either of these conservation projects, injecting a real benefit into the communities they serve.

“All the programmes in the three series of Restoration have demonstrated the variety of new uses that are available for old buildings. This is an important message not just for the general public but developers and local authorities too. Our built heritage is a cornerstone of economic redevelopment, something that has been highlighted with projects like West Wemyss in Fife, Anchor Mills in Paisley, Newmilns in Ayrshire and the Luma Light Factory near Glasgow. All of these projects have been funded and supported by Historic Scotland.

“The tremendous interest and support for these programmes demonstrates that the commitment of Scottish Ministers to a sustainable built heritage for Scotland is shared by the people of Scotland.

“I am particularly glad that the benefits of this programme go beyond just the finalists, many of the projects considered have been reinvigorated, and we can only hope that this will lead to the successful completion and subsequent community benefits this will bring.

“All projects eligible for Government grants through Historic Scotland’s historic building repairs scheme can submit applications and will receive all the professional support and advice available.”

Notes to Editors

Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Executive charged with safeguarding the nation’s historic environment. The agency is fully accountable to Scottish Ministers and through them to the Scottish Parliament.

Since Historic Scotland was created in 1991 the agency has awarded over £150 million in grant towards the repair and maintenance of Scotland’s historic structures.

Historic Scotland has been working with and advising Endemol UK and BBC Scotland on the Restoration programmes since Spring 2002.

More details about the series can be found on www.bbc.co.uk/restoration

The voting has started and the results will be announced live on BBC2 on Sunday 17 September after the lines close.

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